CORVALLIS – Despite a stomach ailment that gave him flu-like
symptoms before and during the Stanford game, Oregon State's Joe Burton had one
of his best all-around performances of his winding-down OSU career.

Burton averaged 16 points, 9 rebounds and 7 assists – and 35
minutes – in the two games against California and the Cardinal, despite the
illness and some achy knees.

Against Stanford, Burton threw some passes that seemingly only he can throw – a 12-foot, left-handed bounce pass, as well as a few
over-the-ear flips and backhands. It made a fan of Utah coach Larry
Krystkowiak, who brings his Utes to Corvallis for a 7 p.m. game Wednesday
night.

"I've watched four or five of their games and if
there's better passer in our league, I'd like to know who it is, and that
includes any guard,'' Krystkowiak said. "I was watching tape this morning and
he was put in a position in the post, where there's no way he can make this pass,
but he threw an underhand pass through both defender's hands and hit the cutter
on the money for layup. ''

Burton logged heavy minutes, and point guard Challe Barton
got more than his usual playing time at Stanford, too, as OSU coach Craig Robinson
went with a three-guard lineup. He started sophomore guard Challe Barton
instead of defensive-minded freshman forward Jarmal Reid. The lineup did seem
to provide a better flow to the offense, and Robinson said he might stick with
it.

"I thought people were loading up on (Ahmad Starks) at the point
guard spot,'' Robinson said. "I thought getting him at the '2' would get him
more looks at the basket.''

Starks hit 3 of 5 three-pointers against the Cardinal.
Barton did not score in 19 minutes, but he rarely shoots unless the shot clock
is expiring.

"He's a true point guard,'' Burton said of Barton. "He
passes first, dribbles second and shoots last.''

Barton returned to practice Tuesday after missing Monday's
practice with a bruised thigh.

Despite a possible bigger role for Barton and the gradual
emergence of freshmen Langston Morris-Walker and Victor Robbins, Robinson said
the poor record isn't prompting any youth movement.

"This second half, what we want to do
is go with the guys who are going to make us win,'' Robinson said. "I think
we're still searching for that.''